A one day course focusing on building confidence in using 'The Vegetative Key to the British Flora' by Poland and Clement.

This course is likely to be of interest to ecological consultants, farm advisers, land managers and conservationists that are required to visit sites and carryout habitat surveys/assessments throughout the year.

The 'Vegetative Key' is an amazing resource helping to correctly identify plants when no flowering structures are present. Not only exceptionally useful in winter but also in spring and summer when flowers have been cut or grazed.

We will spend time using the key indoors to get familiar with it using pre-collected samples. We will then head outdoors in the afternoon to a local site to continue practicing using the key, building further confidence.

About your tutor

Hannah Gibbons is an experienced habitat and botanical surveyor who has been running plant identification training courses since 2011. In 2025 Hannah set up Teylu Ecology with her brother Luke.

Feedback from previous courses

'I thought the course was fantastic! I really learnt a lot and consolidated what I knew also. I think the time split between class and outside was great, venue great and the farm visit/host was lovely too.'

'I love to learn botany with Hannah, she brings such enthusiasm and teaches in a way that is easy, memorable and fun, she really brings the subject to life! Thank you Hannah for a fantastic day of learning'

What to bring

Waterproofs, boots/wellies

Hand lens

Clipboard / notebook

Lunch and water (hot drinks will be provided)

A copy of Poland & Clement's The Vegetative Key to the British Flora (2nd Edition) (though a few spare copies will be available to use)

Itinary

9.45 - Arrival time (tea/coffees)

10am - Introduction to the 'Vegetative Key' using pre-collected samples

1pm - Lunch

1.30pm - Visit a local site

4pm - Depart

Please inform us of any relevant medical requirements/conditions we should be aware of prior to the course.

Description supplied by the event organiser.